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AC–STM2016-1&2016-2 PPROPRIATIONOMMITTEE Special Town Meeting 2016-1 Analysis and Recommendations The Warrant for the February 2016 Special Town Meeting 2016-1 contains three Articles with financial implications for the Town. The proposed amendment to the Regional School District Agreement for the Minuteman Regional Vocation School District alters the way communities enter and leave the regional school district, and the manner in which tuition and capital payments are assessed for member communi- ties. The request to fund a feasibility study for the renovation or reconstruction of Hastings Elementary School is the first major step in the process mandated by the Massachusetts School Building Authority. The appropriation of funds into Specified Stabilization Funds is a straightforward housekeeping task. Article 2016-1.2: Amendments to the Regional School District Agreement of the Minuteman Regional Vocational School District Funds RequestedFunding SourceCommittee Recommendation None N/A Approve (9-0) Summary The District School Committee for the Minuteman Regional High School (MRHS) has requested approv- al of an amendment to the Regional Agreement, which governs how the 16 member communities share in the administration and funding of the school. The proposed amendment, a consensus document created by a working group of member town Selectmen, modifies a 2014 agreement drafted by a subcommittee of the District School Committee. The 2014 version, although approved by Lexington, was not adopted be- cause it did not receive the required unanimous support of all member towns. The restructuring of the District’s governance and membership contemplated by the amendment is considered critical to proceed- ing with the construction of a new MRHS facility to which the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) has committed 40% funding. The new amendment changes the manner in which operating and capital costs are allocated to members, and the procedures and voting threshold needed to approve debt. The amendment also eases requirements for member communities now and in the future to leave the District and creates incentives for new com- munities to join the District. Approval from the town meeting of every member community is required for this amendment to take effect. Background The future viability of the Minuteman Regional School District hinges on the renovation or replacement of its aging facilities. MRHS has qualified for a minimum 40% MSBA match of eligible costs on a $144,900,000 project to construct a new 628-student school building. However, the MSBA funding will be available only if all District member towns vote to approve the project funding by June 30, 2016. The net cost to the District for this project, with MSBA funding, would be $99,000,000. Although currently underutilized by member communities, MRHS is a highly successful educational in- stitution for students that seek a unique and powerful learning experience. MRHS successfully places over 90% of its students into college undergraduate programs, advanced technical training, technical ca- reers, and the military. It offers a diverse selection of vocational training not found in other regional schools. The fact that non-member communities, many with longstanding ties to other vocational facili- ties, send a large number of students to MRHS underscores the unique programs that this school offers. 2